Volkswagen’s Interior Transformation: The ID.2 Concept Reverts to Physical Controls

Volkswagen is unwavering in its pursuit of diversifying the electric market, but the ingenious Automaker owns up to embracing advanced powertrain technology prematurely. In tandem with industry evolution, the German automaker is updating interiors to align with contemporary design trends, specifically minimalism, involving substituting physical buttons with touchscreen controls. Unfortunately, this design choice has encountered consumer resistance, prompting VW to reassess its approach, commencing with the new ID.2all concept.

Recently, Volkswagen elected to enhance its infotainment system. Under former CEO Herbert Diess, the company mirrored Tesla’s approach by centralizing controls on the infotainment screen and replacing physical steering wheel buttons with touch-sensitive capacitive buttons. Unfortunately, this shift caused customer frustration, leading to a reconsideration of the buttonless approach. Volkswagen’s present CEO, Thomas Schäfer, acknowledges that this design choice has disrupted the brand’s reputation.

The Volkswagen ID.2all concept signifies a pivotal change in the company’s design language for future vehicle interiors. Darius Watola, VW’s interior designer, highlighted the new approach influenced by customer feedback. Notably, the ID.2all concept reintroduces a row of physical, backlit buttons below the touchscreen. The solid buttons provide convenient access to commonly used HVAC controls, positively addressing customer concerns. Further, the concept features a manual volume button and a large center knob, reminiscent of BMW’s iDrive, offering complementary controls for various vehicle functions.

 

“Once you have it, don’t touch it again.Bloody leave it. Don’t confuse our customers every time a new model comes out and something is completely different. Optimize it. Bring into the future. But don’t change buttons from here to there, to there and here.”

-Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen CEO 

Tactile feedback is evident in the design, with metal knurling incorporated into the controls, allowing occupants to conveniently feel them without diverting their attention from the road. Volkswagen recognizes the importance of consumer satisfaction, and the touchscreen-dominated interior reflects that. The shift back to physical controls in the ID.2all concept demonstrates the automaker’s responsiveness to enthusiasts and its commitment to pampering the United States.

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Photo Source/Copyright: Volkswagen Newsroom